Tamil director Velu Prabhakaran passes away at 68
Sources say that Velu was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and was put on ventilator support yesterday; however, unfortunately, the filmmaker passed away earlier this morning.
Velu began his career as a cinematographer in 1980, working under director Mouli on films such as Ivargal Vidhiyasamanavargal and Matravai Neril. He made his directorial debut with 1989's Nalaya Manithan, starring Prabhu, Ajay Rathnam, Amala, and Jaishankar, which, interestingly, also got a sequel the following year, titled Adhisaya Manithan.
His films, popular for their controversial subjects, were largely laced with themes of revolution, anti-casteism and sensuality. Notably, a song from Velu's 1995 film Asuran, called 'Chakku Chakku Vathikuchi', found a new audience recently after director Lokesh Kanagaraj used it in his hit 2022 action film Vikram, starring Kamal Haasan.
After appearing in small roles in his own directorials, Velu transitioned into a full-time actor over the last six years, having acted in films such asGangs of Madras, Jango, Cadaver, and Weapon. His last on-screen appearance was in the Vedhika-Yogi Babu starrer Gajaana. According to reports, the director last helmed a film titled Yaar Antha Sir?, starring Mansoor Ali Khan, which has yet to see the light of the day.
Velu's professional and personal lives were marked by many controversies. The director was married to the late actor P. Jayadevi, who had previously acted in his films Kadavul and Puratchikkaaran. In 2017, Velu married actor Shirley Das, who starred in his 2009 film Kadhal Kadhai.
The news about Velu Prabhakaran's death has come as a shock to many. Fans and industry colleagues have been expressing their condolences on social media.
The director's mortal remains will be kept for public homage at his residence in Valasaravakkam, Chennai, from Saturday evening (July 19) to Sunday afternoon (July 20). The cremation will take place on Sunday evening.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Ajith Kumar Addresses Critics On Completing 33 Years In Cinema: 'Your Harshest Words...'
Ajith Kumar shared a statement on social media, recalling his journey from being an outsider to one of South India's most celebrated actors. Tamil superstar Ajith Kumar has shared a note of gratitude as he marks his 33rd year in the film industry. He looked back at his incredible journey in cinema- from being an outsider, to now becoming one of South India's most celebrated actors and a proud recipient of the Padma Bhushan. In his note, he wrote that he faced numerous challenges and setbacks over the years, yet he always got up and kept moving forward. He thanked fans for standing by him and supporting him even when he doubted himself, and was out of sight. He expressed his gratitude to the directors, producers, writer and actors he worked with, in his 33-year acting journey. Moreover, Ajith Kumar also addressed his critics, and wrote that their harshest words have only sharpened him. 'As I complete 33 years in this extraordinary journey called cinema, I do not pen this to celebrate. I don't wait for landmark numbers as I believe that each passing year is a landmark year. I thank you all with a full heart and folded hands. This journey was never easy. I did not come from legacy or influence. I started from the outside, with nothing more than a will to try. Life, in its own way, tested me over and over through injuries, setbacks, failures, and silence. But I never stopped. I endured. I got back up. And I kept moving forward. Because perseverance is not something I learnt; it's something I lived," he wrote. In his note, he also mentioned his re-entry into the motor racing world. 'In 2025, as I re-entered the motor racing world with Ajith Kumar Racing, it wasn't just a return to the sport. It was a statement to myself and to anyone who ever doubted that age, fear, and obstacles are real, but so is willpower. To all my fans, I am not what I am without you. You've turned admiration into acts of kindness-helping others, standing for what's right, and honoring my name with quiet dignity. I see you. I thank you. I will never take your love for granted, and never will I trade your love for my benefit," wrote Ajith Kumar. 'I thank the president of India Madam Droupadi Murmu, the honourable Prime minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and the government of India for conferring me the prestigious Padma Bhushan award. I am determined enough to offer my best to bring respect to this honour," he further added. Addressing his critics, Ajith Kumar wrote, 'To the critics, even your harshest words sharpened me. To Shalini, my wife, the pillar of my life, you have stood with me through everything. My kids, Anoushka, and Advik who bring meaning to every day-you are my balance and my reason. I am grateful to my father, the late P. S. Mani, and my mother, Mohini Mani, for the upbringing that reflects in every social respect I gain today. I am thankful to my brothers and my extended family of my in-laws for their support and love." He concluding by expressing his gratitude for fans who have accepted him, and thanked them for their faith, applause, patience and love. 'As I pursue my motor racing career with grit and passion I solicit the prayers and wishes from all, I hope I will make you and our nation proud," he concluded. Ajith Kumar has starred in more than 63 films till date. The actor, who had a small role in the 1990 Tamil film En Veedu En Kanavar, debuted as a lead actor in the 1993 film Amaravathi. Most recently, he was seen in director Adhik Ravichandran's Good Bad Ugly, one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2025. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘Dhadak 2 is a punch in the gut': Anurag Kashyap hails Karan Johar's film, compares it to works of Raj Kapoor, Guru Dutt, Yash Chopra
After critics hailed Karan Johar's Dhadak 2, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap took to Instagram to praise the film and debutant director Shazia Iqbal for helming a bold narrative that addresses the prominence of caste and class discrimination in the country. He compared the film to classics by legendary directors like Raj Kapoor and Bimal Roy and applauded Shazia for making a film that reflects 'what mainstream cinema was meant to be.' The film stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri in lead roles. In a long Instagram post, Anurag wrote, 'The film captures the conversation that we avoid on a day to day basis. This is what mainstream cinema was meant to be, and this is what great filmmakers like Raj Kapoor, Bimal Roy, Guru Dutt, K A Abbas, B R Chopra, Yash Chopra and so many used to do. We forgot to make mainstream films of social relevance. They got relegated to independent art house cinema.' Anurag Kashyap also compared Dhadak 2 to the hard-hitting and compelling social cinema often produced in the South Indian film industry. Dhadak 2 is a remake of the critically acclaimed Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal, which follows the story of Nilesh, a Dalit law student, and his relationship with Vidhi, a classmate from an upper-caste family. The film portrays how Vidhi's family begins to harass Nilesh after discovering their affair. A post shared by Anurag Kashyap (@anuragkashyap10) Lauding the makers for retaining the essence of the original film in the remake, Anurag Kashyap wrote, 'This is what Tamizh cinema and so much of cinema from South still does. A mainstream adaptation of Periyarum Perumal, without losing the essence of it, Dhadak 2 is a punch in the gut. My driver and old friend of 16 years Narayan ji who went with me wept at the end of it and hasn't stopped talking about it since. An extremely brave and powerful film from @dharmamovies. See it for yourself. I won't say much. Congratulations to the whole team. @prashant316 @animeshpanwar @sanyukta_mohta and others that I don't know. Well done team. @somenmishra @karanjohar.' Dhadak 2 opened at the box office on Friday with Rs 3.5 crore. It earned Rs 3.75 crore on Saturday, bringing its total domestic collection to Rs 7.25 crore.
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Elumale eyes September release window
Ahead of the release of Elumale, the makers released the first single, titled 'Yaavaga', and it's already striking a deep emotional chord with listeners. Soaked in longing and delicately crafted, this haunting melody captures the ache of long-distance love, brought alive by the soulful vocals of Sid Sriram and the evocative composition of D Imman. Known for their magical synergy, Sid and Imman once again deliver a track that lingers in the heart long after it ends. Sid's voice glides through every note with heartfelt intensity, while Imman's signature melodic layers elevate the song into timeless territory. Released in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, the song's multilingual appeal adds to its emotional universality.
